INDULGE BAY MODEL: Proof beauty is timeless

Great-grandmother Oda Lagerberg. Indulge Bay Model Fashion Show 2014. Photo/George Novak

Oda Lagerberg has become a recognisable face in Tauranga since taking part in indulge Bay Model last year, with strangers often approaching her saying "Hi Oda".

The 83-year-old great-grandmother from Bridgewater Village at The Lakes was the competition's oldest finalist to date last year when she competed against 14 other Bay women in the modelling competition.

"Before I just used to be that old lady, and now people know me by name. Strangers come up in the street or in shops. Some other residents knocked on my door to introduce themselves. I even had the girls in the toll booth recognise me when I was handing them my two dollars. One said 'Oh I saw you in the paper. You are that model.'"

Lagerberg said she had had many compliments for "putting herself out there" as an older lady, proving that beauty exists at every age and her entry in the competition even attracted national interest when Campbell Live read about Oda in the Bay of Plenty Times and featured her and the competition on the show.

Bay of Plenty Times events manager Dayna Comeskey said indulge Bay Model was about the journey of transformation for women and the three age categories meant that women would be on a par with others they were competing against.

"We have always been about celebrating women of all ages - so when Oda auditioned, she was judged on her poise and personality and modelling techniques just like everyone else.

"It didn't matter that she was then 82. You can be gorgeous at any age."

Lagerberg said she would encourage anyone to enter the competition as she found it a great confidence booster.

"Wearing the clothes and makeup of course is fun, and I think it is a challenge to do something different. I had to learn to walk to the music quickly and on the night I wasn't nervous but then at one point I bowed at the wrong moment, but it didn't really matter."

Lagerberg was a favourite on the night with the crowd, getting applause for her catwalk twirls. After the show, there were no fancy after parties, she and her husband, Frank, went home to bed, and that weekend they did what they always did, "he played golf and then on Sunday we played cards".

Oda Lagerberg, Indulge Bay Model's oldest entrant. Photo/George Novak

It has been a bittersweet year for Lagerberg after the show, as one of her sons who lives in Spain is sick and awaiting a heart transplant. Her 54-year-old son tragically had a heart attack at the time she entered the competition.

"On the day I did the show he came out of hospital after his second heart attack. He has been very sick this year. He has to take 37 pills a day. "

She has been unable to visit him.

"I would love to go and see him but because of my age and own health I would have to fly first class and it is just too expensive. He is waiting for a new heart."

But Lagerberg says she is thinking positively. "That is the way I approach life, to think positive, take on new challenges, be a bit of a daredevil and enjoy life."

The competition In association with Blur Eyecare, indulge is on the hunt for entrants for its 2015 indulge Bay Model.

Back for its fourth year, the competition is an empowering journey for courageous local ladies of all ages, shapes, sizes and personalities.

There are three age categories:
Sisters & Co is sponsoring the 18 to 25 category.
Augustine is sponsoring the 26 to 39 category.
George Edward is sponsoring the 40-plus category.

There is also an Eves Realty People's Choice category in which indulge readers can vote each week for their favourite finalist.

Each category winner will receive:
Swarovski Stardust Bracelet from Hammon Diamond Jeweller valued at $149.
Hair package from Lynx Hair Direction valued at $100.
Photography session with Image Hub valued at $500.

Plus for the age category winners:
An appearance on the front cover of indulge.
A $1000 clothing voucher from the fashion label sponsoring their category.

As well as Blur Eyecare, Augustine, Sisters & Co, and George Edward, indulge Bay Model is proudly supported by Eves Realty, Majesty Mortgage and Insurance, Ingham Sears, Tranquillo Beauty Clinic, Hammon Diamond Jeweller, ImageHub, Fletcher Print, and The Hits Bay of Plenty.